Chapter 33
This was the moment David had dreaded since he first discovered he had a Fated Mate.
Everything in his mind screamed for him to run away.
If he could avoid finding out what other abilities he had, it might keep him from becoming that evil creature in the myth the High Priestess insisted he was.
Suddenly, he found himself sitting on his mate’s lap, held securely as Zane’s soothing alpha power wrapped around him and infused his soul with love and strength.
“Babe, no matter what Oracle says, I will always choose you. You are my everything and I can no more live without you then I can live without the sun, the moon and the stars. I love you…today, tomorrow and forever…always!” whispered Zane into David’s ear.
His mate’s words and touch helped David quiet his doubts as he sat there, trying to calm his breathing. At that moment, he felt his heart overflow with the love he had for Zane. “I love you, too, cuore mio!” David whispered back.
“David, do you wish to speak to me in private?” asked Oracle.
Shaking his head, David sighed. Trusting his mate would still love him no matter what, he replied, “No, go ahead, please.”
“David, I know there is a lot about your life you do not know and that worries you, but there is no reason for that.”
“But the High Priestess told me…”
“Yes, I know what she said and it was not true.
Let me start from the beginning. A long time ago, the gods knew there was a possibility that evil would take root and grow until it threatened the very existence of everything good so they came up with a plan to combat it in case it occurred.
For many years, evil tried to triumph but each time it was beaten back by all shifters regardless of who they were.
As the years passed, it seemed as if the gods had nothing to worry about.
“But evil was able to sneak in and find a foothold in the dark corners of the shifter world, first gaining the souls of shifters who were weak, then reaching out its tendrils to snag others.”
“Why didn’t the shifters fight it?” asked David.
“They did, and evil failed many times until it finally realized it could only succeed if it embedded one of the seven deadly sins into their souls.
Greed proved to be the most successful. Soul by soul, evil planted that seed and made sure it flourished until it became the driving force in the shifter world.
Evil was insidious, beginning first by granting simple wishes until they were perceived to be rights, driving shifters to acquire them no matter what the cost to themselves or others.
“Once greed became the reason for a shifter’s decision to satisfy a small need, it grew until it consumed the soul, giving evil another soldier in its campaign to take over the world.
By the time the gods understood what was happening, evil was firmly rooted in the shifter world and greed became the new normal.
Appalled by what was happening, the gods put their long-dormant plan into action and the Fates singled out your mother to give birth to the one who would carry it out. ”
David’s eyes grew big. Then, he asked, “Why my mother?”
“Because of the purity of her soul,” Oracle answered. “After a discussion among the gods, it was decided, your mother would be impregnated merely by a touch. The gods were gratified when they saw her leave her family to make a new life for you away from the judgment of society.”
Nodding, David said, “My mother is very strong.”
“Yes, she is. Every day of your life, the gods have been humbled by your mother’s love and her devotion to you.
Knowing the role you would play in the salvation of the world, the gods were pleased when your mother sheltered you from the evil that was consuming the world.
That was, until you were five. Then evil found you when Michael saw you one day on a journey through the mountains.
Remembering a story that fascinated him, he stopped and hid, setting up a camp so he could observe you. ”
“Why me? I was so young and I couldn’t disappear until I was much older…it was my tattoos, wasn’t it?” asked David.
“Yes, you carry the mark of the gods…laurel leaves…on your face and around your neck. It was this that alerted Michael to who you were, or at least who he thought you were. After several weeks of spying on you and your mother, he left, intent on putting a plan into action. After setting up Brenda as High Priestess in his bogus Convent of the Sisters of the Four Gods…”
“Wait,” Zane interrupted, “what do you mean? The Four Gods religion isn’t really a religion?”
“Oh, no, it is an authentic religion…one that holds that there are only four true gods. What Michael did was to use it as a cover for his evil intentions. He knew it would be many years before David would gain his powers, so he joined forces with a woman he’d met a few years before.
After showing her the story in the ancient book and a picture of you, she agreed…
as long as she got half of whatever they intended you to steal.
It was Brenda who came up with the idea of making you the High Priest and she invited the daughters of followers of the religion to become Priestesses, thereby having a ready supply of keepers to watch over you as you grew into your powers. ”
“I don’t understand,” David said, looking helplessly at his mate before asking, “Are you saying I’m not a High Priest?”
“No, I am not. You are, but not a High Priest of the religion of the Four Gods, though everything you learned while you were there is their doctrine. While you were learning it, the High Priestess was engaged in other less savory pursuits which is why you saw so little of her.”
“But she showed me the book you’re referring to and read me the story,” exclaimed David. “She told me it was about me…that I was that person! A person who would be evil!”
“She was lying to you,” answered Oracle.
“Excuse me,” interrupted Zane, “My mate was told he was the boy in the myth. So that isn’t true? The book had it wrong?”
“Yes, and no. The stories in many of these ancient books are a compilation of truth and make-believe. The truth in this story is about you being born and having certain powers; the rest is fantasy, made up by the author to tantalize readers. Unfortunately, Michael believed every word and spent years searching for that mythical boy. He was about to give up his search when he spotted you playing in front of your house. He was the one who nearly killed your mother and who kidnapped you that fateful day.”
A cry echoed throughout the room, tears falling from David’s eyes as the cruelty of what had been taken from him and his mother became apparent—a life filled with love, happiness and joy, stolen by a man solely for his own enrichment.
Burying his head in the curve of Zane’s neck, David cried—for his mother… for himself…for what might have been.
Zane folded himself around his mate, sheltering him from further pain, while fighting the urge to shift and hunt down those who inflicted such hurt on him.
David’s tears were filled with his suffering, falling onto Zane’s neck, burning him, forever etching into his soul the agony his mate endured.
But he welcomed them—hoping they’d alleviate his mate’s pain.
As his tears sucked the darkness from his soul, a bright light shone in its place and David sensed hope. Catching his breath sharply a few times after he stopped crying, he gazed up at his mate, a smile breaking out on his trembling lips. “I’m sorry,” he said, softly.
“You have nothing to be sorry about, tesoro mio,” Zane crooned, caressing his mate’s back. “Are you feeling better, babe?”
Nodding, David said, “Yes, a lot.”
“Do you want to continue or wait till later?” Zane asked.
“Now, because I must rescue my mother as soon as I can,” replied David.
“David,” said Logan, in a voice reflecting his concern, “I promise you and Zane the full support of the Blackwood Pack to free your mother.”
David glanced at Logan before looking up at his mate and, after seeing Zane nodding, said, “Thank you, Logan, I really appreciate it.” Then his eyes shifted to Oracle. “Please continue, Oracle.”
“The gods are unable to interfere with the course of events on earth so they could not prevent what happened, but they were able to save your mother and guide her to you.”
“Oracle, I’m not clear on something you said. Is David the myth come alive or isn’t he?” asked Logan.
“The myth describes a person who is marked, has numerous abilities and will be a threat to the world because he is evil. David is marked by the gods and has some abilities but that is the end of the truth in the story. Everything else about David is false…especially the part that says he is evil. In fact, it is the exact opposite, as the gods gave him their goodness and light making it impossible for evil to gain a foothold in him,” Oracle answered.
“You also said he was a High Priest, but not one belonging to the Church of the Four Gods. What religion is he a High Priest of then?” asked Logan.
“The gods selected David to be their representative on earth to fight the evil that has taken root in this world,” Oracle explained. “That makes David the High Priest of all paranormals.”
The room went silent. Finally, David asked, “What does that mean? How can I be…how can I…fight evil when others look at me as nothing?”
Growling, Zane said, “That’s not true! You are someone and anyone who says otherwise is offending the gods.”
“David,” said Logan, “I agree with my brother. The gods marked you for all to see and only the foolish would ignore it.”
“There is more, sweetie,” Oracle said. “Not only can others see the sign of the gods, but they will also now feel it because you have found your Fated Mate and have claimed him. This ability will be recognized by anyone who means to do you harm and will protect you.”
“What ability are you talking about?” asked Zane.
“David, and you too, Zane, have the power to emit waves of solid energy, disabling anyone who is a threat.”
“Is that what Angus was talking about?” asked Logan.
“Angus? What did Angus say?” asked Zane.
“Angus was making his final rounds for the night when he was knocked on his ass by a wave of energy. He ducked the next ones, looking for the source and realized they were coming from the house you were staying at. Worried you guys were in danger, he snuck up and looked into a window, then called Brian to let him know about it,” explained Logan.
“He wasn’t hurt was he?” asked David, mortified he’d somehow inadvertently caused pain to their host.
“No, Colton checked him over when we arrived and he was fine,” Logan answered.
“That’s a relief,” murmured David. “I really don’t want to hurt anyone.”
“Don’t worry, sweetie, you can’t. For you, this ability is a defensive one. By that, I mean it will only stun your assailant, allowing you time to escape,” Oracle explained. “For Zane, though, it can also be used offensively.”
“Why is it different for my mate?” asked David.
“Because the gods have tasked Zane with protecting you,” Oracle answered.
David looked at Zane. “Is that okay with you?”
Giving his mate a kiss, Zane replied, “Babe, it is more than okay with me. I’m honored the gods have selected me to ensure their High Priest is safe from all harm.”
Smiling, David leaned into his mate, licking his lips before giving Zane a kiss. “Thank you, love,” David whispered, before wrapping his arms around his mate’s neck.
“I have one more question,” said Logan. “What exactly does a High Priest of the paranormal world do?”
“David’s word is final on all moral issues no matter how small they might be and, if needed, he has the power to call on the gods to help him in his battle against evil.
As we speak, the gods have sent their representatives to each of the governing paranormal bodies to inform them about David and his role in this world,” Oracle said, adding, “David’s new mission might seem to be overwhelming, but trust me, it will not be. ”
“Is there anything Jackson should know?” asked Logan.
“No,” Oracle replied, then turning to David, said, “I am honored to have met you, David, and I stand ready to assist you anyway I can.”
“Thank you very much, Oracle, I’m pretty sure I’ll soon be taking you up on your offer.”
“Good. If there are no more questions, I will find my husband who has promised me a vacation,” smiled Oracle.
Logan rose, escorting Oracle out of the living room. “See you and Maximus at dinner?” he asked, before opening the door.
“Of course,” Oracle replied, adding, “Be sure you tell Jackson about David and make sure Groose doubles up the guard on him and Zane.”
“I will, and I’m also going to clarify a few things with my brother,” Logan growled.
“That is a very good idea,” Oracle said, kissing Logan’s cheek. “See you later.”
After shutting the door behind Oracle, Logan stood there, staring off into space, processing what he’d just learned about his younger brother and David.
Soon, it would be impossible to keep a low profile when pack officials, looking to curry favor, with the High Priest, began arriving for their audiences.
He had to warn Jackson before the calls came in requesting permission to visit, but a talk with his brother and David was on the agenda first.
Sighing, he headed back to the living room when he found the two love birds involved in a heavy petting session. Smirking, he sat down and sent a mind message to Kieran. Babe, are you coming home soon?
Not very soon. Why? Do you need me?
I always need you, mo anan cara.
As I do you, macushla. Are you okay?
Yes, I’ll be waiting for you. Have fun! I’m going to talk to Zane about bopping off again without telling me where he’s going. Well, I will as soon as he stops with the lovey-dovey stuff.
Ohhhh, so that’s why you want me. Are they getting you all horny?
Yes, and it’s damn inconsiderate of my brother.
Logan smiled as he heard Kieran’s giggle in his mind. As he glanced at his brother and David, he realized they weren’t planning to stop any time soon, so clearing his voice, he said, “Zane, I certainly want you to spend time with your mate, but can we have a little talk first?”